Wednesday, 21 May 2014

The former world number one golfer has ended his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki claiming he is not ready for marriage.

Golfer Rory McIlroy has broken off his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki just days after sending out wedding invitations.

The major winner and former world number one confirmed the relationship had ended after he realised he was not ready for marriage.

"There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people," McIlroy said. In a brief statement issued through his Dublin-based communications consultants, the 25-year-old said he was making the announcement publicly after talking to Wozniacki. "The problem is mine," he said.

"The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails.

"I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting."

The couple announced their engagement on New Year’s Eve.

At the time McIlroy tweeted: “I have a feeling it is going to be a great year.” It is understood the couple - dubbed Wozzilroy in some circles after a golf wedge was engraved with the moniker - had been an item for more than two years.

They were forced to scotch rumours of a split late last year.

Just three days ago the sportsman still appeared to be happy with his fiancée posting a photo on Twitter during a romantic dinner at Nobu in Monte Carlo.

He wrote: “Nice view for dinner with @CaroWozniacki at Nobu Monte Carlo.” A week ago Miss Wozniacki, a former world number one now ranked at 13th, revealed the pair had “great night” watching The Bodyguard stage musical.She wrote: “Great night! Went to see the musical The Bodyguard with @McIlroyRory .. Amazing.” Earlier the same day, the 23-year-old Dane posted a photo of two coffees, with one covered in whipped cream and wrote: “I guess in our relationship there is one kid and one adult @McIlroyRory btw I'm the kid.”

McIlroy is involved in a lengthy legal battle in Ireland with his former management company over commissions from his lucrative sports sponsorship and endorsement contracts.

The golf star, who has a $20million (£11.8m) a year contract with Nike, claims he has paid more than $6.8million based on unreasonable fee rates much higher than usual in the sports agency industry.